For nearly two decades, Shameem Ali has dedicated his professional life to understanding and protecting the coral reefs of the Maldives. His journey began in 2005, when he joined Banyan Tree as a marine environmental officer. Looking back, he recalls that his interest in marine life started even earlier, when he became concerned about what was happening to coral reefs in the Maldives. “From a long time ago, I had that interest. Everyone was talking about coral bleaching and reef restoration,” he says. Shameem worked with international scientists and marine biologists and gained experience in a pioneering resort-led conservation programme. “At the start of my career, I was able to work alongside so many scientists. From there my career started and I learned a lot from them.”

Despite his passion for the field, opportunities for Maldivians in marine biology were limited. He recalls that local courses often failed to materialise due to a lack of enrolment. “I applied to Villa College a few times, but the courses did not go ahead. In those days people thought this job was mainly for foreigners, not for locals. But we Maldivians know the reefs, we know the waters better.” This conviction kept him in the profession despite setbacks. After almost nine years in the field, he decided to take a break from full-time marine biology, a field that he describes as physically demanding. “It’s a physical job. You have to spend a lot of time in the water, collect data, do surveys. After eight or nine years I thought I needed a break.”

In 2018, Shameem joined JOALI Maldives, but not initially as a biologist. “I came here as a security officer during the pre-opening. I thought I’d take a long break and try something different. In two years, I was promoted to security supervisor. At the same time, I was waiting for an opportunity to return to my field.” When JOALI began seeking marine biologists, he was determined to make the transition. “I saw foreign biologists come and go. It’s a physical job and after a year many resigned. I thought, this is the time to return. I spoke with the general manager and explained that results in marine biology take years. I said, give me a team, give me five years, and I can show results.”

Since 2018, Shameem has overseen the establishment of multiple coral nurseries and restoration projects at JOALI. “We have five types of nurseries and more than 10,000 corals ready to out-plant. It’s like farming: after we plant the coral in the nursery, we need to clean it weekly for six months to stop algae overgrowth. Depending on the coral type, after two years we can out-plant them to the reef.” JOALI’s guests are invited to participate in this process. “Guests can join coral planting sessions or nursery tours. We collect broken corals from the reef and attach them to ropes or frames, giving them a second chance. We also have small metal frames prepared for guests, who can attach corals themselves. Many sponsor their own frames and we send updates every few months. Some guests return years later to see how their corals have grown.”

One of the most innovative projects at JOALI is the electrical reef, a structure where low-voltage current is passed through metal frames, accelerating coral growth. “Because of the electricity, the corals grow three times faster. Every year we can generate around 10,000 corals from this project. It’s still new in the Maldives, but already very promising.” Another example is the underwater Christmas tree. “The engineering team built a metal frame for Christmas, and after the holiday they were going to throw it away. I asked for it, placed it underwater, and attached corals. Now it is completely covered in live coral and full of fish.”

For Shameem, the philosophy of marine conservation at JOALI goes beyond data collection. “Our ultimate goal is to help people connect with the ocean. It is not just about snorkelling trips. We engage children through weekly kids’ club sessions where they learn how to plant corals and why it matters. We bring local school groups from nearby islands to experience coral restoration. These connections are important for the future.”

The challenges are significant. Coral bleaching events, once expected every few years, are becoming more frequent. Shameem witnessed this first-hand in 2016, when he saw 90 percent of the reef bleached. “Last year, 75 percent of our nursery corals bleached. We moved some frames to deeper water, which helped, but the electrical reef at five metres depth could not be moved. Still, I have hope. Corals are starting to recover, and we continue to monitor temperature with data loggers.” He believes that sedimentation and climate change remain major threats, but stresses the importance of persistence. “We cannot stop bleaching, but we can give corals a chance to recover. That is why our work is important.”

Beyond the reef, JOALI collaborates with organisations such as Manta Trust and the Olive Ridley Project. “If we see mantas, we take photographs and share them with Manta Trust for identification. With the Olive Ridley Project, if we find injured turtles, we send them to their centre for care.” These partnerships expand the impact of resort-based conservation.

The role of a marine biologist in Maldivian resorts has changed during Shameem’s career. “In the beginning, it was more about guest activities, like snorkelling. Now it is a core part of a resort’s brand and sustainability mission. Owners and management understand this more. At JOALI, when I proposed the electrical reef, even though the cost was high, our owner supported it immediately. That shows commitment.” He believes that resorts working together can create a greater impact. “If we all do this, the future of the Maldives will be stronger. Tourism is our main economy, and protecting reefs is vital.”

Shameem is also committed to developing local talent. “When I attend conferences, I am often the only Maldivian marine biologist, surrounded by foreigners. I ask myself why more locals are not in this field. Some young people prefer office jobs, and some worry about working under the sun and in the sea. But I believe Maldivians can and should lead in this area. We have talented people. Education is important, but we also need to give them opportunities.” JOALI is planning to open internships focused on hiring locals. “I get many applications from foreigners, but I want to hire Maldivian youth. With proper training and education, they can take this field forward.”

His long-term vision is clear. “In five years, I hope to see more healthy reefs around JOALI, thanks to our nurseries and out-planting. I also hope to see more Maldivians in marine biology, leading projects in resorts and communities. Success for me is when guests return to see their corals growing, when children understand why reefs matter, and when our data shows recovery.”

Asked if there was a moment that reaffirmed his commitment, he recalls meeting a guest who had planted corals years earlier. “He told me he came back just to see the nursery. He planted corals with his family and felt it was something special, something they did for the environment. That is the kind of connection we want to create. It reminds me why this work is important.”

For Shameem, marine conservation is not an isolated department but part of a resort’s identity and responsibility. “Our job is physical, it takes years to see results, but if we stay committed, we can build resilience for the reefs and for the Maldives.” His career, from his first years at Banyan Tree to his leadership at JOALI, reflects both the challenges and the opportunities of conservation in a nation whose future is tied to the sea.